MIDDLE EAST CONLFICT

As Gaza faced more Israeli shelling and air strikes overnight, more than 800 Palestinians have now been killed, as well as 34 Israelis. In light of the continuing conflict, I asked this question to the Prime Minister on Monday:

Hundreds of my constituents have contacted me expressing their horror at what is happening in Gaza, and I share that horror. This is—yet again—a disproportionate response from Israel. Does the Prime Minister agree that the collective punishment of the Palestinians, which has seen many hundreds die, including many dozens of children, is disproportionate and a war crime? People watching this debate today will see that his response has been wholly inadequate.

His reply, I believe, was entirely unsatisfactory:

Our response has been very clear to the Israelis: they have to obey the norms of international law, act proportionately, exercise restraint and avoid civilian casualties.